Eyam Village

Eyam village in the heart of The Peak District is famously known as "The Plague Village".

In the Summer of 1665 a tailor in Eyam received a package containing fleas carrying the plague. As the plague spread through the village, persuaded by the rector Mompesson, they cut themselves off from the outside world to stop the plague spreading even though they knew that placing themselves in quarantine would mean death for many of them.

Other Peak District villages brought food to the edge of Eyam for the villager who paid them by placing money in a water trough filled with vinegar to sterilise it.

The plague continued to affect Eyam villagers until summer 1666 and indeed Mompesson had to bury his own family during this time.

A visit to Eyam village gives a fascinating insight into what it would have been like to have lived (and died) during the time of plague with exhibits and reconstructions of life during this period.

It should also be said that Eyam is a beautiful Peak District village in its own right and well worth a visit.
 

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